(I reposted this bc some applications were missing.) I had to install some apps because of school. Btw, can you say improvements that I can make? I can't install anything that isn't from playstore.
Edit: Duolingo is now just a PWA
november - 2mon
Firefox or Waterfox instead of Brave. Vivaldi's a good compromise if it has to be Chromium.
56
birdwing @lemmy.blahaj.zone - 2mon
How about Librefox?
9
Ori - 2mon
I'm on android
9
Novaling - 2mon
Try IronFox or Fennec (Firefox forks), both are privacy focused and aren't bad like Brave.
GrapheneOS has shown FF does have some security issues, so if you prefer Chromium then use either Vanadium (GrapheneOS only) or Cromite.
For desktop I do use Librewolf, and Ungoogled Chromium when a website refuses to work on Firefox.
26
Ori - 2mon
I can't install apps outside of playstore
2
Novaling - 2mon
Yeah, saw that on another comment. Then just stick with plain Firefox and download the uBlock extension. Seriously, ditch Brave. It doesn't do anything FF with some settings turned on can't do.
Unrelated note: I see you have NextDNS as an app. You can't just change the DNS settings on your phone? Is that blocked by parental control?
10
Ori - 2mon
I can change the DNS
2
Novaling - 2mon
Yeah, I'd probably let go of the app and just change the settings, saves space.
Furthermore, I saw you have OpenVPN for Android. I've never heard of that app tbh, so it makes me wary. If you need a free, open-source, and audited VPN from the play store, then I'd stick with Proton. If you can pay money, then Mullvad.
2
Chaos - 1mon
Instead of Whatsapp you can use many others like signal, instead of Netflix you can use Lotsoflex
1
Ori - 2mon
I know that brave isn't good, can you just explain why?
Nothing I didn't really know in the article, thanks for posting though. I know Naomi Campbell pushes Brave pretty hard. Any thoughts on that?
2
onlinepersona @programming.dev - 2mon
*well
2
FunctionallyLiterate @lemmy.ca - 2mon
I never.
9
68silver @beehaw.org - 2mon
Still gonna use Brave because it is better technically.
-1
arox @lemmy.frozeninferno.xyz - 2mon
Don't use Firefox, the original one anymore if you're really into privacy. I haven't tried Waterfox, but I can recommend Ironfox. It's on Acrescent and Fdroid.
1
FunctionallyLiterate @lemmy.ca - 2mon
OP said they can't install from anywhere but the Play Store.
5
arox @lemmy.frozeninferno.xyz - 2mon
OK my bad
3
Autonomous User - 2mon
Avoid Acrescent which promotes anti-libre software.
1
Drunk & Root - 2mon
co maps over organic maps
40
dysprosium @lemmy.dbzer0.com - 2mon
Co maps has fewer features though?
-1
chaoticnumber @lemmy.dbzer0.com - 2mon
Indeed, but it preserves the ethos of being open, while the other does not.
4
mushroommunk @lemmy.today - 2mon
I would recommend moving off of Duolingo if you can. What you move to depends on the language you're learning. They fired a bunch of their language developers and went hard on AI.
I help run a community for Welsh learners and we're finding more and more people coming in with questions about a Duolingo lesson where things are wrong and weird. Plus their business practices aren't great. They realized that they make money from you staying on the app, not learning a language, so your progress is artificial stunted. Plus the complete lack of grammar explanation at all we're finding hurts people more than helps
As a general recommendation, textbooks are so much better.
I also see Gmail. I don't have a recommendation for a replacement as I'm doing my research on it now, but getting away from Google is a good idea
36
AlternatePersonMan @lemmy.world - 2mon
I recently tried duo lingo. I have a pretty strong background in Spanish, but want to brush up. It became apparent very quickly that the app is not about learning so much as keeping you in it. The lessons don't make a ton of sense, and after not using app for a week, it demoted me to just 8 words that you would learn in your first class (hombre, el, agua, tu, etc.). There is no way to skip ahead.
13
Ori - 2mon
I've already replaced Gmail (I just can't disable it and I need for my school) with Tuta. In addition, I was forced to install Duolingo because of my Spanish teacher (at least it was with a fake email address).
11
SoftBun - 2mon
You can acess your gmail account with thunderbird
12
Novaling - 2mon
Can verify, it's super easy to do and I nuked the Gmail app from my phone afterwards.
8
Autonomous User - 2mon
Look into formal complaints procedures.
2
Matt - 2mon
Try Anki instead of Duolingo. You'll learn fucking nothing from it.
Also move all the proprietary software into a work profile with Shelter (available on F-Droid) just like I did.
18
dysprosium @lemmy.dbzer0.com - 2mon
Lol Android Work Feature (and hence Shelter) doesn't work without Google Play Services. Shit.
Me too, but it won't run without google play services or custom rom
1
FoundFootFootage78 - 2mon
I use Lingodeer instead of Duolingo, in combination with Anki.
These kinds of apps are useful as a starting point but they're not going to get you fluent and they'll only barely get you to beginner level. Plus Anki is kinda complicated especially if there isn't a suitable shared deck.
2
Matt - 2mon
That's why I went to the next level and switched all of my devices, sites and accounts to German.
I can't install anything that isn't from playstore.
Why?
14
Ori - 2mon
Parental controls, newpipe was an exception
7
Autonomous User - 2mon
Oh, that’s a good start. Teach them about libre software and show them F-Droid. PipePipe works better than NewPipe and you can get it there too. Good luck!
8
foremanguy - 2mon
A great step that will solve most of the junk problems that I see, is to move to a custom rom.
6
adhd_traco - 2mon
Pretty sure Wireguard is better in most regards than openvpn. But I also have no idea what you use the VPN for, or why not just use Mullvad.
I'd replace the default text-messaging app with QUIK or something (also allows you to block people who you otherwise cant block).
I would see if you’re able to actually uninstall or disable the Google apps. They’re likely to still grab info otherwise
5
Ori - 2mon
I have already disabled Google Photos, but it still manages to save my photos, and I can't revoke its permission to do so. (C'mon xiaomi, I just don't want to have all my data in the google servers)
3
FunctionallyLiterate @lemmy.ca - 2mon
Install Shizuku to give the apps of your choice elevated rights. I use Hail from F-Droid, but it looks like this is a similar app on Play that's used via Shizuku to "freeze" apps that you can't remove. It keeps them from running and hides them from your app drawer.
1
Ori - 2mon
I tried to check the Shizuku app, but it says it's for an older Android version. When I checked it a few days ago, it didn't say that.
1
FunctionallyLiterate @lemmy.ca - 2mon
I don't use the Pay Store version, so I don't know what you're running into there. May not matter though, as I remembered after commenting that you have to have "Wireless Debugging" enabled, which requires the hidden-by-default "Developer Options" to be enabled - something I'll bet the Parental Controls disallows anyway.
Sorry.
2
Ori - 2mon
Developer options 😂 (my parental control blocks developer options 😞)
3
Novaling - 2mon
Well, whenever you get the chance to use developer options, you can try Permission ManagerX instead. Does the same think Shizuku does but isn't outdated and can be downloaded from the Google Play, Fdroid, and the repository (and Amazon app store??? If that's still alive???).
2
FunctionallyLiterate @lemmy.ca - 2mon
Amazon app store actually was just killed for non-Amazon devices a couple months ago.
Yeah but then im going to to be the only one who uses it lol
7
SoftBun - 2mon
It would be nice to use something like RethinkDNS to block internet connection of these apps you can't disable. You can also config it to block some trackers by DNS filtering.
4
DarkAri @lemmy.blahaj.zone - 2mon
One app you are missing is shelter, Google won't allow it on the play store since it's a privacy app, but it allows you to install the school apps and stuff inside a work container so that they can't access the personal information on your other devices.
3
Nate - 2mon
Netflix made the cut?
3
Ori - 2mon
😞👍 (sadly yes)
2
onlinepersona @programming.dev - 2mon
Gotta sail the high seas, bud 😉 FMHY and you'll be set.
6
Ori - 2mon
Thanks
3
Rikj000 - 2mon
Not really imo,
however doing good taking small steps OP! :)
Suggestions I'd make:
Aim to use nothing/as little as possible from the Play Store (proprietary, often filled with trackers)
Aim to use everything/as much as possible from F-Droid (open source, no or nearly no trackers)
Switch GApps for MicroG (The open source implementation of the Google system apps to make things like notifications work, which removes spyware)
Switch your Xiaomi OS (also spyware filled) for a more privacy friendly OS like LineageOS
It's vanilla LineageOS,
with MicroG + F-Droid pre-included.
3
Ori - 2mon
I went to almost every website that offers ROMs and couldn't find any official ROMs for my device (/e/? Doesn't work. Lineage? Nope. Graphene? Only works for pixels). I can't install apks outside playstore (So, no aurora store and no f-droid. Newpipe was an exception) Thanks btw
1
Rikj000 - 2mon
Ufff sad to hear.
What you could do:
Not recommened: Search on XDA for an un-official build of a custom rom for your device (stability may vary)
Recommended: Be patient, until it's time to buy a new phone, then first look for the OS you want, then choose a device from the list that the OS supports, that's how I do it nowadays :)
Also interesting, but annoying that you can't install apks from outside the PlayStore :/
No way to circumvent it?
5
Ori - 2mon
Just if my parents chose another configuration abt apks in family link (parental controls)
1
Rikj000 - 2mon
Huh, if your parents are the blocking factor,
how about trying to educate them a bit about F-Droid and data privacy?
Software from F-Droid really is much more privacy/battery/storage friendly. Just open source software, no spyware services bloating up the apps.
Perhaps after some convincing, they'll at least allow you to use F-Droid and Aurora Store! :)
Works via adb. What was it's name, Universal Android Debloater? (set to disable instead of remove first). Btw, you can't remove the play store itself, causes bootloops. Just keep it frozen. And only disable what you're really sure about.
And Organic Maps is a good replacement imo, or Osmand for more complex needs.
3
Ori - 2mon
I can't enable developer options
1
MonkderVierte @lemmy.zip - 2mon
What, why not?
1
Ori - 2mon
Parental controls
3
onlinepersona @programming.dev - 2mon
Nice, Jami. Have you been able to find anybody else who uses it?
1
Ori - 2mon
I have only converted one friend and he only agreed because I mentioned the chat control. Everyone else went “OMG” and moved on with their lives. 😂
4
solrize - 2mon
I've tried to use it but it's way too flaky. :(
1
Eben - 2mon
Same pain! Whatsapp! Unreplacable 😢
0
berty @feddit.org - 2mon
No, its replaceable. Just delete it, somebody has to make the step. I told my friends and family they can reach me at signal, call me or just send an SMS. I don't want to judge but it is easier than you may think.
5
Ori - 2mon
Isn't SMS unencrypted?
2
Autonomous User - 2mon
WhatsApp can never secure our messages because it is not libre software, so we do not control it. Both are trash but at least WhatsApp uses the internet instead of directly costing money like SMS.
4
Eben - 2mon
Me too feel bad when actually am in a degoogled os and successfully quit every privacy invasive platforms except youtube and whatsapp.
Also if i only used whatsapp for chatting with 2 or 3 persons without giving it any contact details, still it considered as bad ?
Also am living in india, and my country have no known privacy protection laws like gdpr.
1
Autonomous User - 2mon
When you keep replying on WhatsApp, you're not helping them leave it.
2
Eben - 2mon
No, actually the opposite is happening everytime. The harsh truth is most of my contacts don't even care am chatting/interacting with them or not. Am easily replacable with hundrends of their other whatsapp users.
But i have a happy news. I deleted whatsapp successfully. Now whoever wants to chat with me must be on telegram, signal or session messenger. And now on i have to be very careful that in no situation i install whatsapp again.
In here not only signal, session also using protonmail, tuta instead of gmail considered as weird and everyone will qn us for that.
1
berty @feddit.org - 2mon
Yes it is. But WhatsApp encryption is a joke. Whenever someone is doing a backup with WhatsApp inbuilt backupplan all messages are stored unencrypted in the google cloud by default (WhatsApp and Google have everything in clear text). You can make encrypted backups but they give you a very long key with a warning so nobody does that! When you chat with someone on WhatsApp you can't see that.
I don't use SMS for sensitive stuff but thinking WhatsApp is secure and E2E is a joke.
3
Eben - 2mon
But they are not listening to me. They believe whatsapp will protect them. Escpecially my sister. She is not ready to switch to a different platform like signal or session.
When considering sms or voice calls (which here often used to communicate), those are insecure by design and unencrypted plain text communication.
Also contacting with teachers, keeping up to date about exams, everywhere everyone first asking for whatsapp number instead mobile number. I hate it. But we have really no control over anything right ? If the messenger we choose signal, session is empty then whats the purpose of keeping it in the first place ?
ori in privacy
De-everything enough?
https://lemmy.ml/api/v3/image_proxy?url=https%3A%2F%2Flemmy.blahaj.zone%2Fpictrs%2Fimage%2F62dcef72-597b-4ee3-b92b-9286260ea8e3.webp(I reposted this bc some applications were missing.) I had to install some apps because of school. Btw, can you say improvements that I can make? I can't install anything that isn't from playstore. Edit: Duolingo is now just a PWA
Firefox or Waterfox instead of Brave. Vivaldi's a good compromise if it has to be Chromium.
How about Librefox?
I'm on android
Try IronFox or Fennec (Firefox forks), both are privacy focused and aren't bad like Brave.
GrapheneOS has shown FF does have some security issues, so if you prefer Chromium then use either Vanadium (GrapheneOS only) or Cromite.
For desktop I do use Librewolf, and Ungoogled Chromium when a website refuses to work on Firefox.
I can't install apps outside of playstore
Yeah, saw that on another comment. Then just stick with plain Firefox and download the uBlock extension. Seriously, ditch Brave. It doesn't do anything FF with some settings turned on can't do.
Unrelated note: I see you have NextDNS as an app. You can't just change the DNS settings on your phone? Is that blocked by parental control?
I can change the DNS
Yeah, I'd probably let go of the app and just change the settings, saves space.
Furthermore, I saw you have OpenVPN for Android. I've never heard of that app tbh, so it makes me wary. If you need a free, open-source, and audited VPN from the play store, then I'd stick with Proton. If you can pay money, then Mullvad.
Instead of Whatsapp you can use many others like signal, instead of Netflix you can use Lotsoflex
I know that brave isn't good, can you just explain why?
This article explains it pretty good
Nothing I didn't really know in the article, thanks for posting though. I know Naomi Campbell pushes Brave pretty hard. Any thoughts on that?
*well
I never.
Still gonna use Brave because it is better technically.
Don't use Firefox, the original one anymore if you're really into privacy. I haven't tried Waterfox, but I can recommend Ironfox. It's on Acrescent and Fdroid.
OP said they can't install from anywhere but the Play Store.
OK my bad
Avoid Acrescent which promotes anti-libre software.
co maps over organic maps
Co maps has fewer features though?
Indeed, but it preserves the ethos of being open, while the other does not.
I would recommend moving off of Duolingo if you can. What you move to depends on the language you're learning. They fired a bunch of their language developers and went hard on AI.
I help run a community for Welsh learners and we're finding more and more people coming in with questions about a Duolingo lesson where things are wrong and weird. Plus their business practices aren't great. They realized that they make money from you staying on the app, not learning a language, so your progress is artificial stunted. Plus the complete lack of grammar explanation at all we're finding hurts people more than helps
As a general recommendation, textbooks are so much better.
I also see Gmail. I don't have a recommendation for a replacement as I'm doing my research on it now, but getting away from Google is a good idea
I recently tried duo lingo. I have a pretty strong background in Spanish, but want to brush up. It became apparent very quickly that the app is not about learning so much as keeping you in it. The lessons don't make a ton of sense, and after not using app for a week, it demoted me to just 8 words that you would learn in your first class (hombre, el, agua, tu, etc.). There is no way to skip ahead.
I've already replaced Gmail (I just can't disable it and I need for my school) with Tuta. In addition, I was forced to install Duolingo because of my Spanish teacher (at least it was with a fake email address).
You can acess your gmail account with thunderbird
Can verify, it's super easy to do and I nuked the Gmail app from my phone afterwards.
Look into formal complaints procedures.
Try Anki instead of Duolingo. You'll learn fucking nothing from it.
Also move all the proprietary software into a work profile with Shelter (available on F-Droid) just like I did.
Lol Android Work Feature (and hence Shelter) doesn't work without Google Play Services. Shit.
I got Shelter from F-Droid.
Me too, but it won't run without google play services or custom rom
I use Lingodeer instead of Duolingo, in combination with Anki.
These kinds of apps are useful as a starting point but they're not going to get you fluent and they'll only barely get you to beginner level. Plus Anki is kinda complicated especially if there isn't a suitable shared deck.
That's why I went to the next level and switched all of my devices, sites and accounts to German.
Remove Netflix, proprietary software.
https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/c/piracy
Why?
Parental controls, newpipe was an exception
Oh, that’s a good start. Teach them about libre software and show them F-Droid. PipePipe works better than NewPipe and you can get it there too. Good luck!
A great step that will solve most of the junk problems that I see, is to move to a custom rom.
Pretty sure Wireguard is better in most regards than openvpn. But I also have no idea what you use the VPN for, or why not just use Mullvad.
I'd replace the default text-messaging app with QUIK or something (also allows you to block people who you otherwise cant block).
And replace Ace Attorney with Wrath Of The Gods ;)
I use proton and I will play ace attorney 😃
I would see if you’re able to actually uninstall or disable the Google apps. They’re likely to still grab info otherwise
I have already disabled Google Photos, but it still manages to save my photos, and I can't revoke its permission to do so. (C'mon xiaomi, I just don't want to have all my data in the google servers)
Install Shizuku to give the apps of your choice elevated rights. I use Hail from F-Droid, but it looks like this is a similar app on Play that's used via Shizuku to "freeze" apps that you can't remove. It keeps them from running and hides them from your app drawer.
I tried to check the Shizuku app, but it says it's for an older Android version. When I checked it a few days ago, it didn't say that.
I don't use the Pay Store version, so I don't know what you're running into there. May not matter though, as I remembered after commenting that you have to have "Wireless Debugging" enabled, which requires the hidden-by-default "Developer Options" to be enabled - something I'll bet the Parental Controls disallows anyway.
Sorry.
Developer options 😂 (my parental control blocks developer options 😞)
Well, whenever you get the chance to use developer options, you can try Permission ManagerX instead. Does the same think Shizuku does but isn't outdated and can be downloaded from the Google Play, Fdroid, and the repository (and Amazon app store??? If that's still alive???).
Amazon app store actually was just killed for non-Amazon devices a couple months ago.
You could try https://delta.chat/ instead of WhatsApp
Yeah but then im going to to be the only one who uses it lol
It would be nice to use something like RethinkDNS to block internet connection of these apps you can't disable. You can also config it to block some trackers by DNS filtering.
One app you are missing is shelter, Google won't allow it on the play store since it's a privacy app, but it allows you to install the school apps and stuff inside a work container so that they can't access the personal information on your other devices.
Netflix made the cut?
😞👍 (sadly yes)
Gotta sail the high seas, bud 😉 FMHY and you'll be set.
Thanks
Not really imo,
however doing good taking small steps OP! :)
Suggestions I'd make:
I'd suggest LineageOS4MicroG:
https://lineage.microg.org/
It's vanilla LineageOS,
with MicroG + F-Droid pre-included.
I went to almost every website that offers ROMs and couldn't find any official ROMs for my device (/e/? Doesn't work. Lineage? Nope. Graphene? Only works for pixels). I can't install apks outside playstore (So, no aurora store and no f-droid. Newpipe was an exception) Thanks btw
Ufff sad to hear.
What you could do:
Also interesting, but annoying that you can't install apks from outside the PlayStore :/ No way to circumvent it?
Just if my parents chose another configuration abt apks in family link (parental controls)
Huh, if your parents are the blocking factor,
how about trying to educate them a bit about F-Droid and data privacy?
Software from F-Droid really is much more privacy/battery/storage friendly. Just open source software, no spyware services bloating up the apps.
Perhaps after some convincing, they'll at least allow you to use F-Droid and Aurora Store! :)
3xodus can help with convincing them:
It shows known trackers (= spyware) in applications.
ClassyShark does it by de-compiling the apps and scanning them on the fly.
Their website shows reports by other users that scanned applications.
Nearly everything from the PlayStore contains trackers, while nearly nothing from F-Droid does.
[Video] Free software, free society: Richard Stallman (or here)
I see Maps.
I can't disable it
Works via adb. What was it's name, Universal Android Debloater? (set to disable instead of remove first). Btw, you can't remove the play store itself, causes bootloops. Just keep it frozen. And only disable what you're really sure about.
And Organic Maps is a good replacement imo, or Osmand for more complex needs.
I can't enable developer options
What, why not?
Parental controls
Nice, Jami. Have you been able to find anybody else who uses it?
I have only converted one friend and he only agreed because I mentioned the chat control. Everyone else went “OMG” and moved on with their lives. 😂
I've tried to use it but it's way too flaky. :(
Same pain! Whatsapp! Unreplacable 😢
No, its replaceable. Just delete it, somebody has to make the step. I told my friends and family they can reach me at signal, call me or just send an SMS. I don't want to judge but it is easier than you may think.
Isn't SMS unencrypted?
WhatsApp can never secure our messages because it is not libre software, so we do not control it. Both are trash but at least WhatsApp uses the internet instead of directly costing money like SMS.
Me too feel bad when actually am in a degoogled os and successfully quit every privacy invasive platforms except youtube and whatsapp.
Also if i only used whatsapp for chatting with 2 or 3 persons without giving it any contact details, still it considered as bad ?
Also am living in india, and my country have no known privacy protection laws like gdpr.
When you keep replying on WhatsApp, you're not helping them leave it.
No, actually the opposite is happening everytime. The harsh truth is most of my contacts don't even care am chatting/interacting with them or not. Am easily replacable with hundrends of their other whatsapp users.
But i have a happy news. I deleted whatsapp successfully. Now whoever wants to chat with me must be on telegram, signal or session messenger. And now on i have to be very careful that in no situation i install whatsapp again.
In here not only signal, session also using protonmail, tuta instead of gmail considered as weird and everyone will qn us for that.
Yes it is. But WhatsApp encryption is a joke. Whenever someone is doing a backup with WhatsApp inbuilt backupplan all messages are stored unencrypted in the google cloud by default (WhatsApp and Google have everything in clear text). You can make encrypted backups but they give you a very long key with a warning so nobody does that! When you chat with someone on WhatsApp you can't see that. I don't use SMS for sensitive stuff but thinking WhatsApp is secure and E2E is a joke.
But they are not listening to me. They believe whatsapp will protect them. Escpecially my sister. She is not ready to switch to a different platform like signal or session.
When considering sms or voice calls (which here often used to communicate), those are insecure by design and unencrypted plain text communication.
Also contacting with teachers, keeping up to date about exams, everywhere everyone first asking for whatsapp number instead mobile number. I hate it. But we have really no control over anything right ? If the messenger we choose signal, session is empty then whats the purpose of keeping it in the first place ?
https://lemmy.world/post/21620691
I have to use watomatic for how many days ? and when i can delete my whatsapp account if i am ready to do it?
After it has finished helping others leave WhatsApp.
You are using a Chinese phone ... You got bigger issues
Yea I know 😂